Toxic Algae Project Monitoring Officer

Scottish Association for Marine Science; Oban; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine science organization in Oban is seeking an enthusiastic individual to assist with the delivery of a biotoxin monitoring program. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing and analyzing approximately 1300 samples annually, collaborating closely with the Monitoring Manager. Ideal candidates will possess excellent communication skills, be well-organized, and preferably have some experience with phytoplankton identification. The role offers numerous employee benefits and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Shopping discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Training and development courses

Free car parking with charging points

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic individual with excellent communication skills.
• Capable of working in a team to deliver time-sensitive analysis.
• Some experience with phytoplankton identification is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Monitoring Manager for sample delivery.
• Process, analyze, and report results for around 1300 samples.
• Manage stock control of consumables and liaise with external officers.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organised and practical approach

Experience in phytoplankton identification

Light microscopy experience

Self-motivation and diligence

Job description

• Location: SAMS, Oban
• Contract Type: Open-ended
• Working Pattern: Full Time - 37 hours per week – Monday to Friday
• Salary Range: £26,444 - £29,605 per annum
• Closing date: 15th February 2026

The Role

For the last 20 years, SAMS has worked as part of the Shellfish Partnership with Cefas to deliver a monitoring programme for biotoxin producing algae species in Scottish waters for Food Standards Scotland (FSS). We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join the team in delivering the operational aspects of this programme.

The role will involve working in close collaboration with the Monitoring Manager to ensure smooth delivery of around 1300 samples per annum, with a seasonal element to sample frequency. Activities will include undertaking sample receipt, processing, analysis, and reporting of results. You will be responsible for stock control of consumables for the programme and will liaise with external sampling officers to supply sampling kits. There will also be opportunities to contribute to SAMS research, education and commercial activities outside the monitoring programme.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an individual who will bring enthusiasm to their work, using excellent communication skills to work within a team to deliver time sensitive sample analysis to ISO 17025 quality standards. The individual must be organised and practical, ideally with some experience of phytoplankton identification and light microscopy. A high level of self‑motivation and diligence is necessary, alongside an ability to work as an efficient team member, as well as independently, where required.

Employee Benefits

Our relatively small, caring community is an ideal environment for making friends, forming collaborations, and supporting each other to do the work that we really care about. Oban and surrounding areas provide a fantastic base to live and work, and we offer a wide range of employee benefits, support and inclusive culture, making SAMS a great place to work.

We are proud to provide a wide variety of benefits year‑round, offering options to best support our staff, such as flexible & hybrid working options, purchase of additional annual leave, shopping discounts, Cycle 2 Work scheme, purchases of technology through salary sacrifice, Payroll Giving, Pensions Plus, access to portals to support health and wellbeing, a sabbatical scheme, free car parking with access to electronic charging points as well as access to a number of training & development courses.

Additionally, SAMS encourages and recognises excellence among staff through various recognition and reward arrangements. We are striving to constantly develop and expand the benefits and offers for our colleagues.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through, in the first instance, to [e-mail].

For further information, please go to www.sams.ac.uk/vacancies.

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to [e-mail] quoting Job Ref. ‘D23/25.KM’ in the subject heading.

Closing date for application is 15th February 2026 - Interviews to be held shortly thereafter.

Please note, we are unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates therefore must have the right to work in the UK already in place when applying.

Equal Opportunity

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.